A FATHER from Brockham, who lost his teenage son in a car crash earlier this year, has handed over more than £15,000 to the paramedics who saved his own life.

Neil Holland, of Glenfield Road, suffered multiple fractures and severe chest and lung injuries in the accident on the A25 Guildford Road, Abinger Hammer, on the morning of January 12.

His only son, 14-year-old Ashcombe School pupil Luke, died at the scene.

The pair had been travelling to Guildford when the Ford Escort they were in was involved in a head-on collision with a Nissan Navara 4x4.

Mr Holland, 46, was operated on at the scene before being airlifted to the Royal London Hospital at Whitechapel, where he spent weeks under heavy sedation in intensive care while his damaged chest and lungs recovered.

His wife Sally, who was told he had only a one in 100 chance of survival, kept a vigil by his bedside and even set up an internet blog to keep people updated on his progress.

Six months later, Mr Holland is not only back on his feet but has been busy raising funds for the Surrey Air Ambulance.

“I believe my life was saved by the Surrey Air Ambulance doctor and paramedic that day and I cannot begin to express my gratitude,” he said.

“I owe my life to Neil Painter, Jeremy Smith who looked after me at the roadside, and the many people who took care of me at Royal London Hospital.”

In July, Mr Holland and 23 friends and family took part in the London 10k run and raised £15,950 for the charity.

Other fundraising events have included a memorial match held at Dorking Football Club and a 5k cross-country run by members of Brockham Badgers Football Club.